Things to do & places to visit in Madeira Islands, Portugal

The Madeira Islands are a stunning archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic — a place of lush greenery and rugged mountains 1,000km from the European mainland. where you can hike in the morning, surf in the afternoon, and finish your day in a fine restaurant where the breathtaking view is complemented by unforgettable Mediterranean or traditional Madeira cuisine.

Madeira Islands #4 destination in Portugal 2023. The average rating score is 4.42 based on 77.0k traveler reviews, of 64 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Lisbon, current date and time: Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 7:19.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Praia do Porto Santo (1.584 reviews)
- Running away from Quarentinte
Marinas

Magnificent beach with 9 km of white sand and warm water all year around. Even on those cloudy days watwer 21 degrees and weather still warm it is like summer all year around specially if you are used to British cold weather. Here you only can do two things... Enjoy the weather/beach and the good food. Time to relax and charge batteries. I will keep 2 yeaks of my holidays to spend in Porto Santo. Magnificent measures against Covid. I felt safe all the time in this island. Good job from local authorities. See more..
5.0 Pico Ruivo (587 reviews)
- 100% worth the hike!
Mountains

I started my hike from Pico do Arieiro and ended at Achada do Teixera. I personally found the hike quite challenging, and partly because it was my first mountain hike since the pandemic started and I’m definitely not in good shape. I was much slower and took longer to get to the summit but it was totally worth it!!! Would definitely recommend this route although it would be an easier hike to the summit from Achada do Teixera and come down the same way. Thankfully, the weather was great that day and what a great workout I had in a long time! See more..
5.0 Caravel Art Center (268 reviews)
- Unique, handmade artwork
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

The biggest International Art Center, Gallery and Art shop based on Madeira island with worldwide delivery. We work as an art residence with Portuguese and foreign artists, representing their interests far beyond our island. We also work with several Portuguese ceramists to highlight their contemporary take on traditional Portuguese ceramics. You can get to know the artists by visiting the page ART RESIDENTS and our BLOG. See the CURRENT STOCK section for collections and works available now. All artworks are unique and have original certificate of authenticity The shop is open every day, except Sunday . The gallery is open from Monday to Friday and temporarily from 10 to 5 pm. See more..
5.0 3d Fun Art Museum (161 reviews)
- 3D art fun for everyone
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums • Children's Museums

A space for everyone where you can not only become part of 3D art, but also dive for a moment into a world of optical illusions! See more..
5.0 Laurissilva Forest (137 reviews)
- Another spectacular spot on Madeira.
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

This type of wild and scenic forest landscape is fast becoming a rare sight along the Mediterranean, and Madeira is one of the few places where they still exist. See more..
5.0 Miradouro das Flores (67 reviews)
- Natures masterpieces
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Miradouro is a very spectacular piece of nature. The cliffs, and the ocean with the big waves are all a beautiful and impressive sight. Wear good walking shoes. See more..
5.0 Vereda da Ladeira (5 reviews)
- Very nice
Hiking Trails

Nice views, and is easy to do, recommend to go on feed and a come on cablecar. Good contact with the nature. See more..
4.5 Telefericos da Madeira (15.5k reviews)
- Flying over Funchal
Spent 2-3 hours Trams

The ride I booked was a round trip from Funchal to Monte and back, which in total cost 18 euros, the staff were well organised and attentively quick considering the amount of people they had to get through. There can be a bit of a queue so, if you do come try and get there early, however, saying that the queue moved frequently and our waiting time was 20-30mins. Once you get in you really do get spectacular views over Funchal it was a very smooth and enjoyable ride that allows for a number of photo & video opportunities over the Funchal/Maderia horizon. One thing I would say go when there are no clouds and also you probably won't get a cable car to yourself. But if you are in Funchal this is a must do! See more..
4.5 Monte Palace Madeira (8.894 reviews)
- A must visit destination, if you are fit and mobile!
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Gardens

Open to the public since 1991, the Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses a huge exotic plant's collection, coming from all over the world, together with swans,duck's and Koi fish. The Monte Palace Museum is an ideal exhibition space nestled within the beautiful surroundings of a tropical garden. There are three floors, two of which are dedicated to sculptures and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the four corners of the world. Monte Palace Madeira, also includes one of the most important tile collections in Portugal. The tiles exhibited amidst the tropical vegetation represent several ages, coming from palaces, churches, chapels and private houses throughout the former Portuguese empire. We are open everyday except 25th of December. Our prices are: Adults - 12,50€ Children younger than 15 years old: Free Entrance as long as they are accompanied by adults. Check our new facebook page montepalacetropicalgarden See more..
4.5 Pico do Arieiro (6.781 reviews)
- What a way to start the day!
Mountains

At nearly 6,000 feet, Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s third-highest peak and one of the best spots in town for sunrise views. It gets crowded in the morning—especially since it's also the trailhead for the famous Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hiking route—so get there early to snag a good spot. On a clear day, you may even be able to see the neighboring island of Porto Santo that's 30 miles away. Tours typically start from Funchal and will bring you to Pico do Arieiro at sunrise to start the hike to Pico Ruivo. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Cabo Girao (6.275 reviews)
- Floor is glass…
Spent < 1 hour Lookouts • Geologic Formations

Really worth a visit. We caught the no 7 bus (less than 3 Euros) from Funchal…no need to pay through the nose for a tourist bus experience! Really interesting journey as you snake up the mountain coming head on to other buses and trucks on narrow roads…great fun. Took about 45 minutes and once there you can wander round and then down to the glass and grid walkways which are really something. I’m not great with heights but still managed it! Amazing views all Around and obviously through the floor to the beach almost 600 metres below. Yes it was busy but it is free and you can still get some good photos. After being the typical tourist you can stroll over to the gift shop and cafe and have a coffee and delicious vegan lemon cake…yum! Then just catch the No 7 back into town after an hour…it’s well worth a couple of hours of your day! See more..
4.5 Blandy's Wine Lodge (3.492 reviews)
- If only I could give this experience 6 stars
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Located in a historical building in the very center of Funchal, Blandy's Wine Lodge has been the heart of the family's wine business for 7 generations, ageing the finest Madeira wines in a traditional canteiro method. Each room in the Lodge has unique wine ageing potential due to the different temperatures and humidity conditions, resulting in the diverse profiles of wines aged inside the building. We invite you to join us on our tours, wine tastings and events! Learn more about Madeira wine, history of the Blandy Family, witness canteiro wine ageing and enjoy one of the many wine tasting options we offer. See more..
4.5 Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools (3.078 reviews)
- Lovely natural swimming experience!
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

These pools are amazing! We didn't realise, but there are two groups of pools. On the east, the pools are much more rocky and natural. They have steps in at places and you can navigate to the different entrances via pathways. On the west, the pools are still natural, I believe (we didn't go to these ones), but have had a bit of man made input and are more child friendly (but have nicer views looking back towards the cliff faces). So it depends what you would like really, but you have a choice! We went to the rocky, natural pools and they were so beautiful and refreshing. I could have swam in there all day! I'd really recommend! If you are going to these ones, though, it may be a good idea to bring water shoes. We didn't have them, but would probably be better! See more..
4.5 Ponta de São Lourenço (2.510 reviews)
- Exhilarating - bring your own snacks
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Fabulous hike, but it is quite strenuous in parts, I used walking poles, glad I had them for the steeper parts up and down. We are slow walkers so took approx 3.5 hours, that included a stop at Oasis bar half way round which I would not recommend, if we come again we’d bring our own picnic, the food snacks were over priced, the worst quiche I have had, raw soggy pastry - the toilets were 1 euro which we felt very steep especially if buying snacks. So many people using the toilets they weren’t particularly clean, anyway it did not deter from an amazing hike - felt challenged by it and proud I’d done it. Thoroughly recommend to confident walkers with a head for vertical drops ! See more..
4.5 Parque de Santa Catarina (2.074 reviews)
- Please keep an eye out for this cat!
Parks

Wonderful park which is well-maintained. If you walk up the stairs next to Cafe Gruta there is an extremely friendly cat who is not very pretty (missing ears, speckled eyes, tortoiseshell fur) but very good natured. She was heavily pregnant when I visited and didn’t look very old. If you see her please pat her, give her some food and remind her to keep her legs closed (or tail down or whatever cats are supposed to do not not get Up The Fluff again) See more..
4.5 Palheiro Gardens (1.216 reviews)
- Our favourite gardens in Funchal
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

The gardens at "Quinta do Palheiro" are famous not only for the variety of plants that grow there but for the beauty of their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Madeira has long been called the "Garden Isle" and it seems that almost anything will grow in its fertile soil.The Palheiro gardens are situated at about 500 meters above sea level and were started in 1801 by the original owner the Conde de Carvalhal. He introduced Camellias to the Island, hence our vast collection. The gardens, some 14 hectares (with about 650 species of plants),include the Camellia avenue, Main Garden, Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Long Border and the Ladies' Garden where you find the tea house. There is also the Ribeiro do Inferno, a deep valley with treeferns and indigenous plants. See more..
4.5 Valley of the Nuns (1.203 reviews)
- Hidden pearl
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

The "Nuns Valley" is a small village situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, which has kept its 16th-century Santa Clara Convent where the nuns used to hide from pirates who were attacking Funchal. See more..
4.5 Botanical Garden Cable Car (1.150 reviews)
- Ride to the gardens
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Trams

We discovered this cable car & gardens after having a small walk away from the main cable car. It cost us 18 euro for the cable car & gardens. The cable is very pleasant with 6 people maximum. The journey takes about 10-15mins and covers a large area with great views down the valley and also down the Funchal. Toilets at both stations if needed. Tickets are purchased at a little booth at the top and small walk down to the station See more..
4.5 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco (1.040 reviews)
- Beautiful experience, go early
Hiking Trails

Beautiful scenery and experience walking alongside the water. Strongly recommend going first thing in the morning to avoid tour groups as the paths are narrow and getting past a big group can take a long time - we only got caught in one. The minibus wasn't running when we were there - we would have caught it back as the walk back to the car park is pretty monotonous, and gets harder in the heat. Overall really worth an early morning visit - the car park as well has a lot of spaces in the mornings but you'll have to slot onto the road later in the day. The cafe was a nice break and does tasty coffee See more..
4.5 Santa Maria Street (902 reviews)
- VERY INTERESTING PLACE
Spent 1-2 hours Scenic Walking Areas

Really like this street. Started at the end with the oxen statue and meandered all the way to the fort. The doorways are very informative, and, some of the paintings are very good, others less so. Regardless this is a must see must do when in Funchal. Just be wary of all the restaurants trying to drag innocent passers-by into their establishments, although it is safe before 11.30. See more..
4.5 Levada Caldeirao Verde (833 reviews)
- Excellent levada week in the mountains
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is an excellent, typical levada walk, taking in several waterfalls and a couple of view points. It's not a difficult walk in that it's pretty flat, however, you are walking along the side of the mountain, on narrow, uneven paths and levada walls and through very dark tunnels (where you'll need to walk bent over) so don't forget to take a torch. There are cable fences along the route so you dont feel at all unsafe, although can see a looong way down. You have to return the way you came so walk is 13km total. You also have the option of continuing on for another 2.2km ew, which we did, to the so called Devils Cauldron. Slightly more difficult in that there are 70m of steps to navigate and a fairly narrow entrance to a tunnel but will be fine for most people. There is a car park at the start which costs 3 euro, toilets (50c coins only) and a cafe. This is a wet and much cooler area with muddy paths. Plan on it being around 8 degrees lower in temperature than on the coast. See more..
4.5 Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos (660 reviews)
- Great views
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We visited here as part of MBTours half day excursion and you certainly get great 360degree views over Funchal, the port and hills inland. There’s also a bar/cafe just down from the viewing area (also with great views). Parking seemed sufficient but it probably gets busy with cruise passenger excursions when ships are in port, although there’s plenty of space at the viewing terraces. Our next stop was the Nun’s Valley viewpoint. See more..
4.5 Colégio dos Jesuítas do Funchal (579 reviews)
- Gorgeous church
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Founded by royal charter of D. Sebastiao in 1569, the Jesuits' College of Funchal marked, throughout the centuries, the lives of the inhabitants of Madeira Island. For more than 400 years of history, it served a number of tenants, from British invaders to the University of Madeira, coming to serve as a military facility and a number of schools. Despite its military applications, it has always kept a close relationship with education. Portrayed as "one of the most remarkable buildings that exist in the island" by historian and professor at the University of Madeira Rui Carita, the Jesuits' College of Funchal is the stage of a cultural and scientific awareness project lead by the Students' Union meant for both local residents and visitors of the region. The inauguration of another Gaudeamus - AAUMa Academic Store at the entrance of the College was the starting point of its opening for the general public. Added to it was a circuit of autonomous tours of the College, as well as monthly gatherings for Coimbra Fado and a service of guided tours, whose circuit includes reserved areas of the University of Madeira Rectory, among others. The Students' Union has also published The Jesuits' College of Funchal - A History, by Rui Carita, a book that narrates the history of the College, its tenants and its transformations throughout the centuries. These are projects that, above all, show the spirit of this institution, which benefits from a precious asset both scarce and undervalued in this country; the volunteer work and the dedication of a solid team. Everyone's contribute will be vital, even if in the form of a simple visit to our store. Only then will we be able to continue financing all of the projects that we have to offer to both our associates and the population, whether free of charge or under a symbolic price. See more..
4.5 Madeira Explorers (535 reviews)
- Great Levada Walk With Madeira Explorers
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Hiking Trails

We booked the 25 waterfalls levada walk at Rabacal with Sunny tours and were very impressed with Madeira Explorers,who operated the tour. The pick up was on time, the guide was excellent and his knowledge of the flora and fauna was outstanding. The walk was done at a reasonable pace although one part was particularly hilly due to a rockfall causing a diversion. A very enjoyable day out. See more..
4.5 Madeira Film Experience (496 reviews)
- Need something for a rainy day?
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Madeira Film Experience is a 30-minute audiovisual journey that covers the 600 years of the history and culture of the island known all over the world as the Pearl of the Atlantic. Let yourself be amazed with Madeira Film Experience. Session Schedule: Monday to Sunday 10:15 / 11:00 / 11:45 / 12:30 / 13:15 / 14:00 / 14:45 / 15:30 / 16:15 / 17:00 See more..
4.5 Faja dos Padres (438 reviews)
- Magical place
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

An out-of-the world organic farm comprising 9 rental cottages, a beach and a restaurant, located by the sea in Madeira island southern coast. Access to the property is done exclusively by a cable car that takes you down a huge cliff with more than 300 m to Faja dos Padres, or by boat. See more..
4.5 Miradouro Eira do Serrado (418 reviews)
- Excellent viewing area overlooking the Nun's Valley
Lookouts

We stopped here on a cruise ship excursion for a snack and a drink at the small café / gift shop and had some free time to explore the viewing area which is accessed via a sloping path with a few steps leading up from behind the café and parking area. It was reasonably easy walking up to the main viewing site, took around 5-10 minutes each way, and the views were well worth the effort. Note that the visibility can change quickly due to passing clouds as you are pretty high up in the mountains, but with a bit of luck and patience there are some amazing sights to admire. If you are in this part of Madeira and the weather is good it is really worth a stop, and why not enjoy a snack and a sample of Madeira wine in the café! See more..
4.5 Quinta Das Palmeiras (369 reviews)
- Cute little bird zoo
Spent 1-2 hours Zoos • Gardens

Quinta das Palmeiras is a botanical mini -zoo and mini - garden, which offers its visitors some bird species and a variety of lush plants in a covered area of 5380 m2 . This Thursday generates a sudden patch of green in a dry area west of the airport , and results from Carlos Afonso vision. The oasis that it results is a refuge for many plants and many birds who live in freedom See more..
4.5 Pico Castelo Viewpoint (352 reviews)
- Superb
Scenic Drives

Another fantastic view over the island.a different view to the other viewpoints,more land than sea. Call in at the golf club for a drink,all welcome. See more..
4.5 Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz (315 reviews)
- Great experience - amazing scenery
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Trams

Friday 18th June and we made a return visit to Achadas da Cruz, for the specific purpose of taking a ride in this cablecar. The weather was more conducive to making the trip on this occasion. It is reported to be the steepest cable car in Europe, with has a 98% slope . The length of the trip 600 metres and takes about with a maximum drop of 451 metres. The journey time takes about 5 minutes and the return fare is €3. Alongside the cable car there is a small viewing platform (Mirador) where the views can be admired. However the best way to experience views is by taking a ride in the cable car, it was spectacular. At the bottom it there is a paved coastline walk, perhaps about a kilometre. It is a flat comfortable walk along the dramatic coastline. There is the small Calhau Cafe nearby. From 1st June 2021 the opening hours are 08.00 to 11.30 and 12.30 to 19.00. See more..